HODGES DISPERSED RECREATION AREA
Open year-round for dispersed camping. No reservations required. Camping limited to 14 days within any 45-day period. Winter access may be challenging due to snow conditions.
Winter Storm Warning issued May 1 at 1:31AM MDT until May 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches above 7,500 feet with higher amounts of 6 to 12 inches above 10,000 feet. * WHERE...Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
A list of temporary fire restrictions subject to daily changes.
Currently Impassable Trails and Trail Sections
A list of trails and trail sections not currently recommended for travel.
Valle Vidal Annual Closures
Annual seasonal closures in the Valle Vidal for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds.
Valle Vidal Camping Restrictions
To protect wildlife habitat, camping on or within a half mile of Forest Service roads, or within 100 yards of natural waters or within 300 yards of constructed waters is prohibited in Valle Vidal.
Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats
To protect bighorn sheep from disease, possessing, storing or transporting any domestic goat or sheep within Wilderness Areas in the Carson NF is prohibited.
Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area
The following will be closed at a 2026 future date for a week for traditional purposes: Williams Lake (#62), Wheeler Summit (#67), Wheeler Peak (#90) between La Cal Basin and Wheeler Peak, Lost Lake (#91) between Horseshoe Lake and Wheeler Peak.
Seasonal Road Closures
Effective Jan. 1 until May 1 in most cases. See below for details. Closures are intended to protect wintering and calving habitat for big game as well as protecting soil and watershed.
Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos
Practice caution on Forest Roads 115A, 115B and 476 with ongoing timber harvest and forest restoration activities, including the use of heavy machinery.
Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)
A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara in the Pecos Wilderness has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25).
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak
Effects of the outbreak are visible to the south of Taos, N.M., especially near Pot Creek and along Forest Road 476. Proceed with caution when around them, contact can cause symptoms.
Capulin Trail and Related Road Access Closed to Vehicles
The Capulin Trail (#494), as well as a portion of Forest Road 10AA, is temporarily closed to vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs and e-bikes, classes 1-3). For background on the closure, read the news release.
Fawn Lakes Drained
Heavy spring runoff in 2019 broke the dam and damaged the sidewalk, pullouts and pier. Forest staff are working with partners to identify funding and options for the future of fishing in this area.The adjacent campground remains open for the spring and summer seasons.
About
Hodges Dispersed Recreation Area is located in Carson National Forest in Taos County, New Mexico. This dispersed camping area offers backcountry camping opportunities away from developed facilities, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Carson National Forest. The forest encompasses diverse ecosystems with elevations ranging from 6,000 to over 13,000 feet, featuring terrain from piñon-juniper woodlands to high-elevation spruce-fir and aspen forests. As a dispersed camping area, Hodges provides primitive camping experiences without amenities like bathrooms, picnic tables, or fire rings. Campers must be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. The area is accessible year-round, though winter conditions can be challenging with snow and cold temperatures requiring adequate preparation. The Carson National Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Dispersed camping is limited to 14 days within any 45-day period, and campers must pack out all trash. Fires are allowed when no fire restrictions are in place, and all campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving.
Directions
From Peñasco, NM, travel southeast on State Road 73 for approximately 12 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 116 and continue to Hodges Dispersed Recreation Area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 758-6200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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